Religious Education is a statutory subject of the curriculum for all pupils in each year group and “should be provided for all registered pupils except those withdrawn at the request of their parents.” (s 71 SSFA 1998). Parents have the right to request that their son or daughter be excused from all or part of the RE provided at school. 

The syllabus “reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.” (s375 (3) Education Act 1996). 

We ensure that we comply with the legal requirements by basing our curriculum upon the most recent Locally Agreed Syllabus and Understanding Christianity. 

Religious Education is taught on a weekly basis, with each unit of work based around a key enquiry question. Lessons are planned and delivered in a variety of ways, ensuring that all children can access and participate in learning. Interactive, practical activities encourage pupils to discuss their ideas and extend their understanding of complex concepts and challenging questions. 

The curriculum is enriched by a range of visits and speakers during the school year. Children visit a variety of different religious buildings, including a synagogue, a mosque, a Hindu temple and churches of different denominations. Parents, visitors and children themselves also lead presentations about other faiths and worldviews. 

Pupils are assessed half-termly on their responses to each enquiry question. Progress in RE is reported annually to parents and has a prominent position in the end-of-year report.